- News
Crack Magazine & MVT Launch Venue Support Campaign
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By Dale Grogan
- 04 Jun 2025
- 5 min read
Crack Magazine and the Music Venue Trust (MVT) have launched a collaborative campaign to highlight the challenges facing London’s grassroots music venues. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of these venues in nurturing emerging talent and sustaining the UK’s live music ecosystem.
The State of Grassroots Music Venues
According to MVT’s 2024 Annual Report, the UK’s grassroots music venues are experiencing significant financial strain:
- 43.8% of venues reported operating at a loss in 2024.
- The average profit margin across these venues was a mere 0.48%.
- 25 venues closed in 2024, with financial pressures cited as the primary reason for nearly half of these closures.
- The number of live music shows and ticket revenues declined by 8.3% and 13.5%, respectively, compared to the previous year.
These statistics underscore the precarious position of grassroots venues, which are essential incubators for emerging talent and play a crucial role in the UK’s cultural landscape.
Positive Developments & Support Initiatives
Despite the challenges, there have been positive developments:
- The Music Venue Trust’s Emergency Response Service dealt with 200 cases in 2024, a 19% increase from the previous year, assisting venues facing threats of closure.
- The Music Venue Properties initiative has secured freehold ownership of five grassroots venues, providing them with greater financial stability.
- In 2024, grassroots venues hosted over 162,000 live music events, featuring nearly 1.5 million artist performances and attracting over 20 million attendees, contributing £526 million to the UK economy.
What the Campaign Means for Event Organisers
For event organisers and promoters, this campaign serves as a reminder of the critical role grassroots venues play in the music industry. Supporting these spaces not only preserves cultural heritage but also ensures a thriving environment for new artists and live events.
As the campaign gains momentum, it presents an opportunity for stakeholders in the music industry to come together to support the venues that are foundational to the UK’s musical heritage and future.
For more information on how to support grassroots music venues, visit the Music Venue Trust’s official website: musicvenuetrust.com.
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